What Exactly Happens When You Break Your Penis

Have you seen Dennis Rodman's cringe-worthy video of how "there was blood everywhere" when he broke his penis during sex on three separate occasions? He wasn't exaggerating, though. It's very possible to break your yogurt slinger.

The condition, medically termed as penile fracture, is caused by the application of an excessive amount of force to the penis while it is erect, according to Dr. Patrick H. Tuliao, a fellow at the Philippine Urological Association and general urologist sub-specializing in oncology, endourology, laparoscopic, and robotic urologic surgery. "This usually occurs during vigorous intercourse or masturbation," explains Dr. Tuliao.

A 2015 study, published in the Advances in Urology Journal, revealed that the woman on top position is the most common sexual arrangement associated with penile fractures. "When a woman is on top, she usually controls the movement with her entire body weight, landing on the erect penis," it read. The second most harmful position is dog style, which was responsible for 28.6 percent of injuries.

"While the penis does not have bones, it has tissues that can be torn. Simply put, the penis is composed of three tubes," he describes. "The two larger ones are in the dorsal part of the penis, comprise the bulk of the penis, and fill up with blood during an erection. These are called the corpora cavernosa. Covering the corpora cavernosa is fibrous tissue called the tunica albuginea. The third tube is the corpus spongiosum wherein the urethra is located. During vigorous sex or masturbation, if enough force is applied, the tunica albuginea can tear or break." When the tunica albuginea tears, the blood that is normally confined to this space leaks out into other tissues. You get bruising and swelling.

It happens with a "snap" or a "crack" and you'll immediately lose your erection. "When somebody incurs a penile fracture, there's usually a popping sound followed by severe penile pain. The penis becomes flaccid and is deviated to the side where the fracture occurred, and there is bluish discoloration of the penile skin," our urologist says.

Anybody who sustains a penile fracture should immediately proceed to the nearest emergency room. He needs to be assessed as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis.

"A number of procedures may be required to determine the extent of the injury. Once the presence of a fracture is confirmed, surgical repair of the fracture is performed."

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"Any delay in seeking help and diagnosis increases the likelihood of complications," warns Dr. Tuliao.

Similar to other fractures, the sooner the broken part is attended to, the less likely permanent damage and misshapenness will set in.

Dr. Patrick H. Tuliao conducts consultations at The Medical City, Manila Medical Hospital, and University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center.